Why are ASX 200 bank shares underperforming on Thursday?

Here's what's weighing on ASX 200 bank stocks today.

| More on:
A woman dressed in red and standing in front of a red background peers thoughtfully at a piggy bank in her hand.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • ASX 200 banks are in the red today. The big four banks are each recording slumps of between 0.03% and 0.9% 
  • It comes as the financial sector proves to be one of the broader market's worst performers on Thursday 
  • The Zip Co share price is the index's major weight, currently down 6% 

It's a rough day on the market for S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank shares.

In fact, it's proving to be a tough one for nearly all stocks on the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ). The sector has slumped 0.65% at the time of writing, with only a few financial bigwigs posting gains.

Let's take a closer look at what's going on with the index and how the ASX 200 big four banks are tracking on Thursday.

What's weighing on ASX 200 bank shares today?

The ASX 200 has been wobbling on Thursday. After spending much of this morning in the red, the broader market has regained its feet to record a 0.11% gain.

Still, the market is being weighed down by its financial constituents' struggles. The sector is one of its worst performers today.

Though, the financial sector is doing better than the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ). It's fallen 1.7% at the time of writing.

Unfortunately, ASX 200 bank giants haven't managed to avoid today's downturn.

The Australia New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price has slumped 0.93%.

Meanwhile, shares in the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) have slipped 0.74% and 0.21% respectively.

The National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) share price is outperforming its big four peers to record a 0.03% slide.

NAB's slightly better performance might be due to news it's completed its $2.5 billion buyback. Excitingly, the bank has announced it's now embarking on another buyback that could prove to be the same size.

Another banking giant, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), is also suffering today, posting a 1.37% slip.

Buy now, pay later provider Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) is the sector's biggest weight, falling 6.38%.

Finally, right now, there are only 2 ASX 200 financial stocks in the green today. Those are embattled Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) – posting a 0.41% gain – and AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) – up 1.06%.

As market watchers might be aware, Magellan announced the departure of its co-founder and former chair, Hamish Douglass, this week.

While there's been no news from AMP, the battered company's stock is 80.9% lower than it was 5 years ago.

More on Bank Shares

A man thinks very carefully about his money and investments.
Bank Shares

CBA shares returned just 4.9% last year. Should investors look elsewhere?

With peers racing ahead, is the big bank now fully priced?

Read more »

A mature aged man with grey hair and glasses holds a fan of Australian hundred dollar bills up against his mouth and looks skywards with his eyes as though he is thinking what he might do with the cash.
Bank Shares

If I invest $10,000 in Westpac shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026?

Can investors bank on good dividend income from Westpac in 2026?

Read more »

Worried woman calculating domestic bills.
Bank Shares

How did the CBA share price perform in 2025?

Did Australia's largest bank deliver the goods last year? Let's find out.

Read more »

Man holding different Australian dollar notes.
Bank Shares

The pros and cons of buying CBA shares in 2026

Is this a good time to look at the bank?

Read more »

Young woman using computer laptop smiling in love showing heart symbol and shape with hands. as she switches from a big telco to Aussie Broadband which is capturing more market share
Bank Shares

Why I'm not selling my CBA shares in 2026

Expensive? Sure, but I'm not ending my shareholding in Australia's biggest bank.

Read more »

A young man in a blue suit sits on his desk cross-legged with his phone in his hand looking slightly crazed.
Bank Shares

Would I be mad to buy more CBA shares near $160?

CBA has come down quite a bit since June...

Read more »

A girl wearing yellow headphones pulls a grimace, that was not a good result.
Bank Shares

CBA shares down 16% since peak amid core advantages 'slowly being eroded'

Blackwattle Investment Partners says CBA's competitive advantages are weakening.

Read more »

Young businessman lost in depression on stairs.
Bank Shares

Can ANZ shares go any higher after a 28% sizzle in 2025?

Bank experts are measured and see modest declines.

Read more »